"It'll be a wedding, a stranger wedding," she thought. "Hame folk wouldna be sae thoughtless, as to get wed in the morning--na, na, it will be some stranger."
These speculations were interrupted by the Domine's calling her, and as soon as she heard his voice, she saw him standing at the open door. "Christine!" he cried. "Come in! Come in! I want you, lassie, very much. I was just wishing for you."
"I am glad that I answered your wish, Sir. I would aye like to do that, if it be His will."
"Come straight to my study, dear. You are a very godsend this morning."
He went hurriedly into the house, and turned towards his study, and Christine followed him. And before she crossed the threshold of the room, she saw Angus and his Uncle Ballister, sitting at a table on which there were books and papers.
Angus rose to meet her at once. He did it as an involuntary act. He did not take a moment's counsel or consideration, but sprang to his feet with the joyful cry of a delighted boy. And Christine's face reflected the cry in a wonderful, wonderful smile. Then Angus was at her side, he clasped her hands, he called her by her name in a tone of love and music, he drew her closer to his side. And the elder man smiled and looked at the Domine, who remembered then the little ceremony he had forgotten.
So he took Christine by the hand, and led her to the stranger, and in that moment a great change came into the countenance and manner of the girl, while a peculiar light of satisfaction--almost of amusement--gleamed in her splendid eyes.
"Colonel Ballister," said the Domine, "I present to you Miss Christine Ruleson, the friend of your nephew, the beloved of the whole village of Culraine."
"I am happy to make Miss Ruleson's acquaintance," he replied and Christine said,
"It is a great pleasure to meet you, Sir. When you know Angus, you wish to know the man who made Angus well worth the love he wins."
The Domine and Angus looked at the beautiful girl in utter amazement. She spoke perfect English, in the neat, precise, pleasant manner and intonation of the Aberdeen educated class. But something in Christine's manner compelled their silence. She willed it, and they obeyed her will.
"Sit down at the table with us, Christine," said the Domine. "We want your advice;" and she had the good manners to sit down, without affectations or apologies.